French Language Minister Advocates for Keeping ‘Go Habs Go’ on Montreal Buses
The French Language Minister, Jean-François Roberge, has declared that the slogan “Go Habs Go” is integral to Quebec’s identity and culture, emphasizing that it should remain unchanged.
These remarks follow reports that the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), the city’s public transit operator, was instructed by the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) to replace the English phrase with the French “Allez Habs Allez” in bus communications.
Roberge noted that “Go Habs Go” has been a longstanding rallying cry for the team. He assured that any future complaints regarding this phrase would be dismissed and asserted that this cherished expression should never be challenged.
According to the board of directors, Montreal buses may bring back the “Go Habs Go” slogan in the fall, as stated in an email to The Epoch Times.
STM chairman Éric Alan Caldwell expressed satisfaction upon hearing the minister’s viewpoint on the slogan.
“Given the recent directives from the minister and the OQLF’s statement, we must engage in discussions with them to secure official confirmation that we are permitted to use the term ‘go’ in a sporting context without facing penalties,” Caldwell said in a statement sent in French to The Epoch Times.
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However, Caldwell indicated that “no immediate changes can be implemented.” Instead, they will follow the usual update procedures that occur in the fall. He mentioned that the board aims to avoid incurring additional costs or allocating more resources on this issue due to budget constraints.
“The STM takes pride in its long-standing partnership with the Montreal Canadiens and will continue to uphold this relationship. Go Habs Go!” Caldwell stated in his remarks.
Member of the National Assembly for Quebec, Catherine Gentilcore of the Parti Quebecois, highlighted that the party has “bigger priorities,” including enhancing culture and language programs.
“We’ve been using ‘Go Habs Go’ for a century. While ‘Allez Canadiens Allez’ is acceptable, ‘Go Habs Go’ deserves recognition too,” she noted during a news conference. “Both expressions can coexist.”
Roberge mentioned that OQLF staff have faced threats since the news broke on April 24.
The Montreal Canadiens are set to host Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Friday night against the Washington Capitals, currently trailing 2–0 in the best-of-seven series.
The Canadian Press contributed to this article.
